Florida LPN Programs

Florida has many opportunities available to those planning to pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Course work is offered at select vocational schools, community colleges, junior colleges, hospitals, technical schools, state colleges and private universities. Entry requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, passing the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) exam, and possessing CPR certification. Some institutions may require prerequisite courses as well. A listing of the schools offering approved LPN training and their contact information is available on this page.

Student LPN curriculum will include such coursework as anatomy, nutrition, biology, medical terminology, practical nursing skills, physiology, medical and surgical disorders, patient care, body structure and functions, and health care systems. To receive a vocational certificate the student must successfully complete 1,350 hours which includes the courses, lab work, and clinical rotations. Completion of the program takes approximately one year. Graduates may take the National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN) after they have satisfied the education requirement. The test must be passed to receive a license to work as an LPN in Florida.

A licensed LPN often works under the direct supervision of an RN or LPN charge nurse. An LPN may find job opportunities in nursing homes, summer camps, hospitals, doctor offices, schools, clinics, private home care and group homes. The LPN is responsible for much of the direct patient care. Responsibilities include measuring vital signs, IV therapy maintenance, monitoring medications for dosage and patient compliance, and reporting changes in patient’s condition to supervising nurse or doctor. In some instances the LPN may perform duties of patient advocate or community educator. Various specialty fields that an LPN might consider are pediatric, surgical, emergency and geriatric nursing.

Most people that choose nursing as a career have an interest in the medical field and a desire to help people. Other reasons to consider becoming an LPN might be flexible work schedule, health care benefits, and the likely increase in wages as the demand for qualified LPNs increases. The mean annual wage for a Florida LPN is $40,230 per year.

The Florida Board of Nursing requires licensed practical nurses to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to remain licensed in the state. Fulfillment of this requirement is subject to verification.

Florida LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Florida schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Florida state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Florida

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in Florida

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Florida as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.

Taking the NCLEX-PN Exam in Florida

When it comes time to challenge the practical nursing license exam it is advisable to prepare for the exam with a self-study program or classroom prep course. Knowing what to expect on the actual test and completing practice questions can increase your chances of passing. When you feel ready to take the test, apply for your practical nursing license with the Florida state board of nursing and register with Pearson VUE. There is a $200 fee required in order to register for the exam. The next step is to wait until you receive confirmation of your Authorization to Test (ATT). Once you receive your ATT you can schedule your NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE at a nearby testing center.